Tibetan Mastiff

also known as Tsang-khyi, Dok-Khyi

Pros History


The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog breed that originated in the Himalayan region of Tibet. This breed is known for its large size, thick coat, and fierce loyalty. The Tibetan Mastiff has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

The exact origins of the Tibetan Mastiff are difficult to trace, but it is believed that the breed has been present in Tibet for over 5,000 years. The breed was used by the nomadic tribes of Tibet as a guard dog, to protect their livestock and homes from wild predators and thieves.

In 1847, the first Tibetan Mastiff was brought to England by the British army officer, Brian Houghton Hodgson. In 1873, the first Tibetan Mastiff was registered by the Kennel Club (UK) and in 1906, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed.

In the early 20th century, the Tibetan Mastiff was primarily used as a working dog, used for herding and guarding livestock. However, in the 1950s, the breed's popularity began to grow among dog enthusiasts and it became a popular companion dog and show dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is Tibetan Mastiff a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Tibetan Mastiff name? How do you say Tibetan Mastiffs?

tih-BEH-tuhn MAS-tif

Purpose

What were Tibetan Mastiffs originally used for?

Guard Dog, Herder

Lifespan

How Long Do Tibetan Mastiffs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Tibetan Mastiff? How long can Tibetan Mastiffs live?

10-14 years

The average Tibetan Mastiff lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Tibetan Mastiff Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Tibetan Mastiff?

What is the average height of a Tibetan Mastiff? How big is a Purebred Tibetan Mastiff height? Tibetan Mastiff dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm) 28.0 inches (71.1 cm)
Female 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm)
What is the average weight of a Tibetan Mastiff? How much should Tibetan Mastiffs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 100-160 pounds (45 - 73 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 110.0 pounds (50 kg) 130.0 pounds (59 kg)
Female 75-120 pounds (34 - 54 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg) 82.5 pounds (37 kg) 97.5 pounds (44 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Tibetan Mastiffs get fat easily?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Tibetan Mastiffs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Tibetan Mastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Tibetan Mastiff personality? What are Tibetan Mastiff dogs best known for?

Aloof
Strong
Willed
Courageous
Protective
Stubborn
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Tibetan Mastiffs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Shed?

Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Tibetan Mastiff. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Tibetan Mastiff dog?

The Tibetan Mastiff dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Tibetan Mastiffs come from?

Tibet

Ancestry

What are Tibetan Mastiffs descended from?

Tibetan Wolves, Mastiff

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Tibetan Mastiff breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Tibetan Mastiffs first bred? How old is the Tibetan Mastiff breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Tibetan Mastiff?

Working (AKC:2007)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Tibetan Mastiff Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Tibetan Mastiff eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Mastiff nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Mastiff coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Blue
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Tibetan Mastiffs coat?

The coat of a Tibetan Mastiff is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Tibetan Mastiff Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Tibetan Mastiff?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Tibetan Mastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can a Tibetan Mastiff have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Tibetan Mastiff can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Tibetan Mastiff dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Tibetan Mastiff Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Tibetan Mastiffs have a lot of health problems?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Tibetan Mastiff?

Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Tibetan Mastiffs?

Epilepsy
Hyperthyroidism

Occasional Diagnoses

Entropion
Ectropion

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Tibetan Mastiff breed?

Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Full Physical Examination

Tibetan Mastiff Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Tibetan Mastiffs have a lot of energy?

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Tibetan Mastiffs need socialization? How social are Tibetan Mastiffs?

Tibetan Mastiffs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Tibetan Mastiffs get?

The Tibetan Mastiff dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Tibetan Mastiff have? Do Tibetan Mastiffs sleep a lot?

Tibetan Mastiffs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Tibetan Mastiff drool a lot?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Tibetan Mastiff dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Tibetan Mastiffs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Tibetan Mastiffs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Tibetan Mastiff running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Tibetan Mastiff? How much energy does a Tibetan Mastiff have?

Medium

Tibetan Mastiffs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Tibetan Mastiff walk each week? How many miles should a Tibetan Mastiff walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Tibetan Mastiff, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Tibetan Mastiff should exercise a day? How much activity does a Tibetan Mastiff need?

60 minutes

In general most Tibetan Mastiffs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Tibetan Mastiff?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Tibetan Mastiff?

Weekly

Tibetan Mastiff should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Tibetan Mastiffs?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Tibetan Mastiff eat?

4 cups

For an average 100-160 pound (45 - 73 kg) Tibetan Mastiff feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Cost Daily?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Tibetan Mastiff is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Cost Per Month?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Tibetan Mastiff is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Tibetan Mastiff Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Tibetan Mastiff?

Tibetan Mastiffs has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Tibetan Mastiff dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Tibetan Mastiff dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Tibetan Mastiff do well in apartments? Are Tibetan Mastiffs good indoor dogs?

The Tibetan Mastiff is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Tibetan Mastiffs good with kids? Are Tibetan Mastiffs good around children?

Tibetan Mastiffs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Tibetan Mastiffs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Tibetan Mastiffs good with cats? How friendly Tibetan Mastiffs are toward cats?

Tibetan Mastiffs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Tibetan Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs? Are Tibetan Mastiffs OK with other dogs?

Tibetan Mastiffs are below average dog friendly dogs. Tibetan Mastiff dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Tibetan Mastiff dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Tibetan Mastiffs friendly with strangers?

Tibetan Mastiffs are not stranger friendly dogs.

Playfulness

Do Tibetan Mastiffs like to play? Are Tibetan Mastiffs playful?

Tibetan Mastiffs have an average level of playfulness. The Tibetan Mastiffs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Tibetan Mastiff easily trained?

Tibetan Mastiff dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Brave
    Protective nature, making them good watchdogs
  • Guard dog
    Suitable for homes with high-security needs
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet

Cons

  • Large size
    Unsuitable for small homes or apartments
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Tibetan Mastiffs may find an office setting too stressful.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Tibetan Mastiffs may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    If not careful with a Tibetan Mastiff's weight, it can easily become an issue.
  • Odor
    The Tibetan Mastiff's risk of having an offensive odor is high.
  • Barking
    This dog's loud bark is a defining characteristic of its breed.
  • Exercise
    Requires regular exercise, as they are an energetic breed